Bill (Round Rock)
Dez says the Cowboys have the best WR corps in the NFL. Do you agree?
Bryan Broaddus (12:03 PM)
I think that this Cowboys WR group is very good but I would take the Packers group of Jennings, Driver, Nelson and Jones over the Cowboys.
Shawn (Ashe County NC)
Hi Bryan, Hope that all is well with you. Anyway, I was watching some of the Philly game yesterday and they looked great! What can Dallas do to slow them and win the upcoming game. I sure don't want to be disappointed on Christmas Eve.
Bryan Broaddus (12:05 PM)
This really is going to be a tough game for both teams. Philly will have problems with Romo, Witten, and these WRs. Where the Cowboys could struggle is with Babin on the rush. McCoy not only running the ball but catching in space and the Cowboys are going to have to deal with Vick with little pass rush and these WRs as well. Both teams are going to have their hands full.
Ryan (Tennessee)
Thanks for chatting, Bryan. Do you think Jason Garrett will have playoff success in Dallas or will we be looking for a new coach 2 years from now?
Bryan Broaddus (12:07 PM)
I would like to believe that Garrett will have success here. I think he brings the one thing that Jimmy Johnson had and that was an understanding of how to add talent to his squad. This is going to sound funny and this is my thought from watching Garrett in training camp but he is an attention to detail coach, but in some cases this season his players have let him down.
Elvis (Tupelo, MS)
watching the Giants game, I had the distinct impression that defensive players had no idea where they were supposed to be even while the ball was being snapped. They looked like a Chinese fire drill far too often. Does Ryan need to take a step back and focus on more basics in his scheme?
Bryan Broaddus (12:10 PM)
In the Tampa game, Ryan was more basic in his scheme but tricking Josh Freeman was not the most important thing. His guys lined up correctly and you didnt see the busts that we had in the previous weeks. Ryan knows the mistakes that he made in the last Eagles game, I dont think he will make them again.
Dennis (Austin, Texas)
Hi Bryan, Terrence Newman seems like a shell of his former self. Jenkins has been hurt, etc. If everyone is healthy - do the Cowboys have a number one or two corner or all they all more of the third/nickel corner quality?
Bryan Broaddus (12:14 PM)
Newman has been poor the last four weeks, there is no doubt about that. Jenkins has been outstanding the last two weeks but when you talk with him in the locker room you can see him struggle just to get out of his uniform. This secondary cant have what happened to them last time these two teams met happen again. I think that Ryan will try and play his corners tighter than not have his safeties so deep. It will be a different game plan.
John (New Jersey)
BB-I think T.Smith draws the tough assignment this week matched-up vs. Trent Cole, as I believe Free gets help vs. Babin. Unfortunately I don't see the Cowboys' TE's being much of a factor. Thoughts?
Bryan Broaddus (12:17 PM)
You have it backwards, Babin will rush from Smith's side and Cole lines up over Free. Smith said he learned a great deal about playing Babin last time. Where Babin can get you is with his inside spin move. That is where Smith had the most trouble. Smith has been the Cowboys best offensive linemen. Will probably see John Phillips, Bennett to his side more this week.
Bryan (Springdale, AR)
Does Felix look to be making sharper cuts and squaring his shoulders downfield moreso these past 2 weeks? Seems like he learned a lot from watching Demarco Murray!
Bryan Broaddus (12:19 PM)
People have missed the point with Jones. He has run the ball tough all year, New England game was an example there. Fiammetta has helped spring all these backs. Pulling Smith, Kosier and Holland has helped to. If Jones gets to and thru the hole, he can be explosive. We have seen that.
John (New Jersey)
BB-can Cowboys get enough pressure w/ front 4 or 5? Have to double TNew's side and Eagle TE's seem to have emerged the last 2 weeks. I think Bruce Carter has to "grow up fast" this week.
Bryan Broaddus (12:22 PM)
Have to be careful with the way you rush Vick or you will see what happened early in the Tampa game with Freeman running the ball. Frank Walker was very good on tight ends earlier in the year but has really slipped. Could see Scandrick take more of that role this week. Carter will not be a factor at all this season as a linebacker, only on special teams.
JORDAN JAMES (GARLAND)
Do you think the cowboys shouold have Ware and Ratlif to play next week ? I personally dont think they should cause the most inportant game is the Giants game. And have them 100 % for playoffs.
Bryan Broaddus (12:26 PM)
I am sorry here but if Dallas loses to Eagles and then has to go win a game at New York to get in the playoffs you like that chance? I know the Giants lost to the Redskins but I am trying to knock the Eagles out here. If all three teams end up 8-8 you have nothing but the 16th pick of the draft.
Daniel (Los Angeles)
Bryan - if NYG beat the NYJ next week, the DAL-PHI game (which is played later in the day) is meaningless for the Cowboys, and the Eagles for that matter, from a playoff perspective. No matter what Dallas would be playing NYG for the NFC East crown in Week 17. In that scenario, do you think Dallas should rest most their starters to keep them fresh and more importantly avoid injury for the game that will matter?
Bryan Broaddus (12:29 PM)
I have been asked that question a bunch and to be honest, I would still try and win the game. I promise that I will ask Garrett that question this week but I am sure that he will try and win the game too.
Lawrence (Dallas, TX)
Bryan, Do you think DeMarcus Ware makes big plays the way James Harrison, Clay Matthews, Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed make plays that win games or are Ware's stats sort of hollow?
Bryan Broaddus (12:33 PM)
I would not call Ware's stats hollow but you have named some game changing players in your question but with that being said, Ware needs to find ways to finish these games. I keep going back to that Redskins game where on the last drive he was single blocked 11 of the final 12 plays and didnt get a pressure or a sack. The Giants doubled him and there are going to be days like that but he has played against some tackles that he is clearly better.
rob (mexico city)
Bryan, do you think dallas can make a big run in the playoffs??
Bryan Broaddus (12:34 PM)
If the Cowboys get in the playoffs, they have just as good as chance as anyone in the NFC. The offense has real weapons, but like other teams in the NFC, their defense has real question marks.
Biff (Philly)
Good Luck to Y'all next week, I am not sure that the Cowboys will be able to pick up Philly's new raising star Casey Matthews on the blitz
Bryan Broaddus (12:36 PM)
And good luck to you as well trying to deal with these Cowboys wide receivers and one of the hottest Quarterbacks in the NFL. Hope Samuel decides he wants to tackle this week.
Shawn (Work)
Bryan, Wouldn't it be fair to say that Ware was possibly injured during the skings game? He did not close as he could normally. I personally think that the stinger has been harder on him than meets the eye
Bryan Broaddus (12:38 PM)
The stinger has been a problem but why do we continue to make excuses for these players. Mike Jenkins has been called a coward in this chat but he has a shoulder that is about to fall off and he is diving to make plays and he holds the one of the best receivers in the game to a few catches. Nobody is healthy, its about making plays.
Ty (Scottsdale)
What's the feeling inside VR re: the weakness in the secondary - players or coaching?
Bryan Broaddus (12:39 PM)
The players havent been good but if you are asking, this will probably be Campo's last season.
shanezzy (utah)
BB, how will dallas approach the philly defense, now that felix is runnin well and wr's are gettin open and will this be the game witten exposes their lb's....
Bryan Broaddus (12:41 PM)
I think that everything you just asked me is being talked about at Valley Ranch now. There LBers have struggled in coverage and the safeties have had a hard time dealing with Witten. I think they need to attack this Eagles secondary but you cant allow Babin to get shots on Romo this game.
Jason (PA)
The Cowboys defense and Rob Ryan have struggled all season, why should Cowboys fans expect anything different in the final two weeks (against strong offensive clubs)?
Bryan Broaddus (12:44 PM)
There is no doubt that your point is one that is a concern. If the Cowboys are going to make the playoffs, it will be on their defense to get them there. Huge challenge this week against the Eagles.
Adam (Toronto)
So do we use a spy on Vick all game? or just a collective scheme?
Bryan Broaddus (12:46 PM)
Dont' know if there will be a spy but watch Sean Lee in this game. He is the most athletic and best tackler of the inside linebackers. Have to be great in space against the these guys.
Chad (Luray, VA)
28-0. 3rd-and-19. Inside their own 10. Why call a pass play?
Bryan Broaddus (12:48 PM)
No doubt a play call he would want back, Free didnt get his hands on Clayborn. Garrett and Romo had been dialing them up pretty good till that point, but I understand what you are saying.
Nathan (Marshall)
With the wide 9 defense, and sub par ILBs, it seems the middle of the defense is exposed to inside runs and traps. Your thoughts?
Bryan Broaddus (12:50 PM)
Cowboys did something the other day in the running game that I thought was interesting. On the big run inside with Jones, they got in a huge split between Smith and Kosier, then led inside with Fiammetta. The Bucs were spread out and had no chance to react. Watch this week and see if they do the same.
Matt (NY)
What is Laurent Robinson's future with Dallas? Will they pay him this offseason, or go back to, ugh, Ogletree?
Bryan Broaddus (12:52 PM)
Robinson has been a wonderful option. They knew they needed a 3rd receiver and they went and got one. Ogletree has made some plays as the 4th but Robinson needs to be in the mix in the future. I am sure they will try and get him done.
jakobe (montana)
which was your favorite team working with
Bryan Broaddus (12:54 PM)
I grew up in Dallas, it was a dream job, I am sorry we didnt do better.
KB (Dallas)
Bryan with all of Andy Reids formations and play arsenal and the defensive woes we've had is there any shot the Boys' come with a win sat night? If so how can we slow them down with a semi healthy michael vick back.
Bryan Broaddus (12:57 PM)
The Eagles are going to have just as many problems as the Cowboys are on defense. Talking with Ryan the other day, he knew they would beat Tampa and you could tell that he was pointing to this Eagles and Giants games because what had happened this season. I expect he was have a good plan in this game but the question will be if his guys can execute. Last time, they didnt.
Dez says the Cowboys have the best WR corps in the NFL. Do you agree?
Bryan Broaddus (12:03 PM)
I think that this Cowboys WR group is very good but I would take the Packers group of Jennings, Driver, Nelson and Jones over the Cowboys.
Shawn (Ashe County NC)
Hi Bryan, Hope that all is well with you. Anyway, I was watching some of the Philly game yesterday and they looked great! What can Dallas do to slow them and win the upcoming game. I sure don't want to be disappointed on Christmas Eve.
Bryan Broaddus (12:05 PM)
This really is going to be a tough game for both teams. Philly will have problems with Romo, Witten, and these WRs. Where the Cowboys could struggle is with Babin on the rush. McCoy not only running the ball but catching in space and the Cowboys are going to have to deal with Vick with little pass rush and these WRs as well. Both teams are going to have their hands full.
Ryan (Tennessee)
Thanks for chatting, Bryan. Do you think Jason Garrett will have playoff success in Dallas or will we be looking for a new coach 2 years from now?
Bryan Broaddus (12:07 PM)
I would like to believe that Garrett will have success here. I think he brings the one thing that Jimmy Johnson had and that was an understanding of how to add talent to his squad. This is going to sound funny and this is my thought from watching Garrett in training camp but he is an attention to detail coach, but in some cases this season his players have let him down.
Elvis (Tupelo, MS)
watching the Giants game, I had the distinct impression that defensive players had no idea where they were supposed to be even while the ball was being snapped. They looked like a Chinese fire drill far too often. Does Ryan need to take a step back and focus on more basics in his scheme?
Bryan Broaddus (12:10 PM)
In the Tampa game, Ryan was more basic in his scheme but tricking Josh Freeman was not the most important thing. His guys lined up correctly and you didnt see the busts that we had in the previous weeks. Ryan knows the mistakes that he made in the last Eagles game, I dont think he will make them again.
Dennis (Austin, Texas)
Hi Bryan, Terrence Newman seems like a shell of his former self. Jenkins has been hurt, etc. If everyone is healthy - do the Cowboys have a number one or two corner or all they all more of the third/nickel corner quality?
Bryan Broaddus (12:14 PM)
Newman has been poor the last four weeks, there is no doubt about that. Jenkins has been outstanding the last two weeks but when you talk with him in the locker room you can see him struggle just to get out of his uniform. This secondary cant have what happened to them last time these two teams met happen again. I think that Ryan will try and play his corners tighter than not have his safeties so deep. It will be a different game plan.
John (New Jersey)
BB-I think T.Smith draws the tough assignment this week matched-up vs. Trent Cole, as I believe Free gets help vs. Babin. Unfortunately I don't see the Cowboys' TE's being much of a factor. Thoughts?
Bryan Broaddus (12:17 PM)
You have it backwards, Babin will rush from Smith's side and Cole lines up over Free. Smith said he learned a great deal about playing Babin last time. Where Babin can get you is with his inside spin move. That is where Smith had the most trouble. Smith has been the Cowboys best offensive linemen. Will probably see John Phillips, Bennett to his side more this week.
Bryan (Springdale, AR)
Does Felix look to be making sharper cuts and squaring his shoulders downfield moreso these past 2 weeks? Seems like he learned a lot from watching Demarco Murray!
Bryan Broaddus (12:19 PM)
People have missed the point with Jones. He has run the ball tough all year, New England game was an example there. Fiammetta has helped spring all these backs. Pulling Smith, Kosier and Holland has helped to. If Jones gets to and thru the hole, he can be explosive. We have seen that.
John (New Jersey)
BB-can Cowboys get enough pressure w/ front 4 or 5? Have to double TNew's side and Eagle TE's seem to have emerged the last 2 weeks. I think Bruce Carter has to "grow up fast" this week.
Bryan Broaddus (12:22 PM)
Have to be careful with the way you rush Vick or you will see what happened early in the Tampa game with Freeman running the ball. Frank Walker was very good on tight ends earlier in the year but has really slipped. Could see Scandrick take more of that role this week. Carter will not be a factor at all this season as a linebacker, only on special teams.
JORDAN JAMES (GARLAND)
Do you think the cowboys shouold have Ware and Ratlif to play next week ? I personally dont think they should cause the most inportant game is the Giants game. And have them 100 % for playoffs.
Bryan Broaddus (12:26 PM)
I am sorry here but if Dallas loses to Eagles and then has to go win a game at New York to get in the playoffs you like that chance? I know the Giants lost to the Redskins but I am trying to knock the Eagles out here. If all three teams end up 8-8 you have nothing but the 16th pick of the draft.
Daniel (Los Angeles)
Bryan - if NYG beat the NYJ next week, the DAL-PHI game (which is played later in the day) is meaningless for the Cowboys, and the Eagles for that matter, from a playoff perspective. No matter what Dallas would be playing NYG for the NFC East crown in Week 17. In that scenario, do you think Dallas should rest most their starters to keep them fresh and more importantly avoid injury for the game that will matter?
Bryan Broaddus (12:29 PM)
I have been asked that question a bunch and to be honest, I would still try and win the game. I promise that I will ask Garrett that question this week but I am sure that he will try and win the game too.
Lawrence (Dallas, TX)
Bryan, Do you think DeMarcus Ware makes big plays the way James Harrison, Clay Matthews, Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed make plays that win games or are Ware's stats sort of hollow?
Bryan Broaddus (12:33 PM)
I would not call Ware's stats hollow but you have named some game changing players in your question but with that being said, Ware needs to find ways to finish these games. I keep going back to that Redskins game where on the last drive he was single blocked 11 of the final 12 plays and didnt get a pressure or a sack. The Giants doubled him and there are going to be days like that but he has played against some tackles that he is clearly better.
rob (mexico city)
Bryan, do you think dallas can make a big run in the playoffs??
Bryan Broaddus (12:34 PM)
If the Cowboys get in the playoffs, they have just as good as chance as anyone in the NFC. The offense has real weapons, but like other teams in the NFC, their defense has real question marks.
Biff (Philly)
Good Luck to Y'all next week, I am not sure that the Cowboys will be able to pick up Philly's new raising star Casey Matthews on the blitz
Bryan Broaddus (12:36 PM)
And good luck to you as well trying to deal with these Cowboys wide receivers and one of the hottest Quarterbacks in the NFL. Hope Samuel decides he wants to tackle this week.
Shawn (Work)
Bryan, Wouldn't it be fair to say that Ware was possibly injured during the skings game? He did not close as he could normally. I personally think that the stinger has been harder on him than meets the eye
Bryan Broaddus (12:38 PM)
The stinger has been a problem but why do we continue to make excuses for these players. Mike Jenkins has been called a coward in this chat but he has a shoulder that is about to fall off and he is diving to make plays and he holds the one of the best receivers in the game to a few catches. Nobody is healthy, its about making plays.
Ty (Scottsdale)
What's the feeling inside VR re: the weakness in the secondary - players or coaching?
Bryan Broaddus (12:39 PM)
The players havent been good but if you are asking, this will probably be Campo's last season.
shanezzy (utah)
BB, how will dallas approach the philly defense, now that felix is runnin well and wr's are gettin open and will this be the game witten exposes their lb's....
Bryan Broaddus (12:41 PM)
I think that everything you just asked me is being talked about at Valley Ranch now. There LBers have struggled in coverage and the safeties have had a hard time dealing with Witten. I think they need to attack this Eagles secondary but you cant allow Babin to get shots on Romo this game.
Jason (PA)
The Cowboys defense and Rob Ryan have struggled all season, why should Cowboys fans expect anything different in the final two weeks (against strong offensive clubs)?
Bryan Broaddus (12:44 PM)
There is no doubt that your point is one that is a concern. If the Cowboys are going to make the playoffs, it will be on their defense to get them there. Huge challenge this week against the Eagles.
Adam (Toronto)
So do we use a spy on Vick all game? or just a collective scheme?
Bryan Broaddus (12:46 PM)
Dont' know if there will be a spy but watch Sean Lee in this game. He is the most athletic and best tackler of the inside linebackers. Have to be great in space against the these guys.
Chad (Luray, VA)
28-0. 3rd-and-19. Inside their own 10. Why call a pass play?
Bryan Broaddus (12:48 PM)
No doubt a play call he would want back, Free didnt get his hands on Clayborn. Garrett and Romo had been dialing them up pretty good till that point, but I understand what you are saying.
Nathan (Marshall)
With the wide 9 defense, and sub par ILBs, it seems the middle of the defense is exposed to inside runs and traps. Your thoughts?
Bryan Broaddus (12:50 PM)
Cowboys did something the other day in the running game that I thought was interesting. On the big run inside with Jones, they got in a huge split between Smith and Kosier, then led inside with Fiammetta. The Bucs were spread out and had no chance to react. Watch this week and see if they do the same.
Matt (NY)
What is Laurent Robinson's future with Dallas? Will they pay him this offseason, or go back to, ugh, Ogletree?
Bryan Broaddus (12:52 PM)
Robinson has been a wonderful option. They knew they needed a 3rd receiver and they went and got one. Ogletree has made some plays as the 4th but Robinson needs to be in the mix in the future. I am sure they will try and get him done.
jakobe (montana)
which was your favorite team working with
Bryan Broaddus (12:54 PM)
I grew up in Dallas, it was a dream job, I am sorry we didnt do better.
KB (Dallas)
Bryan with all of Andy Reids formations and play arsenal and the defensive woes we've had is there any shot the Boys' come with a win sat night? If so how can we slow them down with a semi healthy michael vick back.
Bryan Broaddus (12:57 PM)
The Eagles are going to have just as many problems as the Cowboys are on defense. Talking with Ryan the other day, he knew they would beat Tampa and you could tell that he was pointing to this Eagles and Giants games because what had happened this season. I expect he was have a good plan in this game but the question will be if his guys can execute. Last time, they didnt.
